Apple's AirPods are a fantastic companion to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, with super-fast pairing, superior functionality with touch controls, and access to Siri. AirPods are bound to please a lot of iPhone fans, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other options out there; in fact, there are all sorts of wireless earbuds that can help you bring sound on the go. Here are the best Apple Airpods alternatives.
Closest to the original
If you've always wanted a pair of truly wireless headphones, but the AirPods weren't right for you, the Powerbeats Pro are your salvation. With all the glory of Apple's H1-chip, you can the same amazing pairing process and compatibility that you've come to expect.
W1-chip enabled
Apple's cheaper wireless W1 headphones are the best option for users who need a more customized fit for their everyday earbuds and don't mind a neck wire. Eight hours of battery life should be more than enough for most daily use, and just five minutes of charge will give you an additional two hours of play. Plus, the BeatsX charge via a Lightning cable, so you don't need to carry around an extra charging cord.
Great value
When it comes to features and price, the Jabra Elite 65t hits the nail on the head. With an IP55 water-resistant rating, An excellent app that lets you adjust the sound, fantastic sound, and 15-hour battery life between the buds and the case, The Jabra Elite 65t is a steal.
Newer Jabra Elite
The Jabra Elite 75t are a great upgrade from the 65t mode. With superb comfort, long battery life with USB-C charging, and a great bass-heavy sound overall. However, they lack a wireless charging case, and you can only use the right earbud independently.
Premium workout headphones
Jaybird's latest earbuds are the best the company has ever made. The sound quality is fantastic, you'll get 8-10 hours of battery, and there's an IPX7 waterproof rating. These headphones regularly last me through two weeks of workouts, and the in-line playback/call controls along with the Jaybird app make for an exceptional, intuitive experience.
Wireless Jaybird
If you're not a fan of the neck cord, Jaybird still has you covered. The Jaybird Vistas are fantastic earbuds for those who like working out, thanks to their IPX7 water resistance rating. They also feature a solid, bass-heavy sound, great comfort, and charge over USB-C.
Tiny but powerful
The SoundSport Free is Bose's first attempt at truly wire-free earbuds, and boy, do they deliver! The sound quality is fantastic as always, the fit is good, and you've got IPX4 water resistance, so you can sweat all you want.
The same, but different
If you don't want to pay the Apple price, there are plenty of true wireless earbuds. The closest alternative to the AirPods are the Powerbeats Pro because they use the same H1 chip made by Apple. They fit better and sound a little better than the original AirPods, but will cost you about the same moolah.
If you don't mind a neck cord, I'm rather fond of the JayBird X4. JayBird's app is fantastic, and the battery life is truly outstanding. Whether you're looking for a truly wireless experience or you don't mind a neck cord, there are plenty of these best Apple Airpods alternatives that will allow you to listen to your favorite tunes.
Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way.
Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.
